February Birthstone Jewelry – Amethyst

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Amethyst means sincerity, tranquility, and peace. It is a member of the quartz family, and it is valued for its color, quality, and availability. It has a hardness of 7, ranges from light to dark purple, and makes very beautiful and affordable jewelry. It is so affordable because of its abundance. If amethyst was not so widely available, it would be much more expensive.

Birthstone gifts don’t only have to be given as rings. You can also give someone (or yourself!) a wonderful amethyst necklace. You can purchase a pendant that is already on a chain, or you can purchase them separately. You can find pendants that are in the shapes like hearts or small figures meant to represent the person that the birthstone is for (these are often seen on necklaces with one or more birthstone figures, usually representing children or loved ones). You can also find them paired with other gems like diamonds. The chain that you choose for your necklace will depend on the size of the pendant it is holding. Another option is a birthstone or pendant that is built-in or already attached to a chain. These pieces are usually more elaborate and extremely beautiful.

If you don’t like Amethyst, see alternative birthstones on our birthstone chart.

Technorati Tags: , ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

What Do You Want For Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to feel love and say “I love you!” — and often this is expressed with a gift. The gift can range from a hand written card to a beautiful Gold Necklace. Simple and sweet gifts fill people lives on Valentine’s day.

So what is the best Valentine’s Day Jewelry? It is something that expresses the love in your heart — that also fits your budget. It can range from a pair of CZ heart earrings (for less than $5!) to a Diamond Heart Pendant (for $299.99 with free shipping).

Gifts can be flashy, gorgeous or just plain fun!  There are the more traditional gifts of flowers and/or chocolate — but jewelry can cost the same (or less!) and lasts much longer.  So why not splurge and have fun — and have your Valentines Day Gifts say “I love you!” with style.

Technorati Tags:

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

Have You’ve Been To Gem Show?

If you haven’t been to Gem Shows, you are in for a treat! Being able to see large amounts of jewelry, gemstones and beads all at once is a real treat! Many shows have classes and jewelry exhibits as well. The biggest gem and jewelry show is in February in Tuscon/Quartzsite, Arizona. However, there are many throughout the world to explore– so you don’t have to go far to have fun and explore.

If you want to get the most out of gem and jewelry shows, we recommend: How to Get the Most out of a Gem & Jewelry Show.  It has some gem show great tips.
Of course, I enjoy buying jewelry from home. Yet, having the opportunity to see so much at once is really fun!

Technorati Tags: ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

January Birthstone Jewelry – Garnet Birthstone Rings

January’s birthstone is the red garnet. A gorgeous red stone, garnets make beautiful jewelry for men or women. Some old stories claim the garnet can ward off nightmares, offer guidance through the dark, and protect against poisoning. The word garnet means consistency and actually comes from the Greek word “granatum” which means pomegranate seed. Red garnets are actually very similar in color to pomegranates. However, garnets can come in other colors also.

Birthstone rings don’t have to be just for women. If your special man was born in January and enjoys wearing rings, you can always find him a gorgeous men’s ring with a brilliant garnet. You can find a wide variety of men’s rings and even watches that have their birthstone in it. Men will appreciate a thoughtful gift like this just as much as a woman does. To find just the right ring, find out what ring size they wear. If you don’t want to ask him outright, you can find another ring he wears and find out the size. You don’t have to sneak it away, just trace the inside of the circle on a piece of paper and take it with you when you go to pick out his ring.

Technorati Tags:

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

White Gold Jewelry Makes a Statement

Choosing the material for a special piece of jewelry will have a huge impact on its feel, price and appearance. White gold jewelry has become such a popular element for jewelry because it is versatile and eye-catching. White gold jewelry exists in almost every style you can think of.

Why Choose White Gold Jewelry?

Many people immediately think of yellow when discussing gold. In fact, I was one of those people until my then fiancé surprised me with a gorgeous White Gold Engagement Ring. Until then I didn’t realize the option existed. But the white gold jewelry choice instantly adds to the elegant setting and classic appeal of my breath-taking ring.

White gold jewelry really looks different that items that are created out of sterling silver and platinum. Many people think they look identical - yet when placed side-by-side you can see the difference.

White Gold Jewelry Makes Gemstones Sparkle

The difference is the way that white gold jewelry acts as a backdrop for any gemstone it is paired with. In my opinion, it is the most wonderful metal to use with diamonds. The modest half-carat diamond in the center of my engagement ring looks huge in the setting. The white gold that surrounds the gem sparkles reflectively and makes the diamond appear larger. By enhancing any stone it is paired with, white gold jewelry makes the piece more than equal the sum of its parts.

The gem also seems to have more shimmer than the versions with yellow gold settings. I’m not sure why this is exactly but I am definitely not complaining. I decided to find out more about my new favorite metal. The first place I looked was my local jeweler who gave me a lot of information.

The Facts About White Gold Jewelry

Historically the gold used in white gold jewelry was created with a mixture of gold and nickel or other elements. Today, however, professional jewelry designers will use a metal called rhodium to create the white gold. Rhodium is similar to platinum and is credited with giving white gold jewelry its smooth, reflective shine. Rather than the shiny yellow associated with traditional gold jewelry, white gold jewelry creates an understated impression of class and elegance in any design.

Technorati Tags:

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

December Birthstone Jewelry

December birthstones are great for children’s jewelry as they are relatively inexpensive turquoise and blue topaz.

Turquoise is the modern December Birthstone, but blue topaz and blue zircon have also been considered December’s birthstone. Most birthstone rings have a created blue topaz or blue zircon gem in them. Birthstone rings with blue topaz, turquoise, or other birthstones are a good choice for purchasing birthstone jewelry for little girls.

Younger people who maybe don’t know what their birthstone is or what it means will be fascinated to learn about and wear their own birthstone. For example, the turquoise’s connection to Native American tribes and their beliefs. Special birthstone jewelry sets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces are made for younger children. The gems are either not real or inexpensive, so there isn’t as strong a concern that the jewelry will get lost or damaged. They are a good way to teach little girls how to care for their jewelry as they get older.

Birthstone jewelry can also be used to celebrate a birth – the original birthday! What better gift can you give than a tiny little ring with the new baby girl’s birthstone? You can also include mom and give her a matching piece of jewelry. Birthstone jewelry is available for a variety of ages in a variety of styles. All you have to do is find the one that is right for you!

Technorati Tags: ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

Jewelry Sales

Jewelry Sales updated March 15th, 2008.

We love to find bargains, sales and discounts on jewelry and watches! We searched the internet for jewelry deals that just can’t be beat. For those who like to buy jewelry at discounted prices, here is a list of fantastic Jewelry Sales:

Amazon

Year End jewerly sale: Save up to 70% off Jewelry Currently, there is a beautiful 14 Kt Gold Diamond Journey Pendant for $379.99 (59% off) and 14K White Gold Round 3 Stone Blue Diamond & White Diamond Ring (0.50 ctw) for $599 (72% off)

We found the best Amazon’s Jewelry Sales for you to grab now!

Jewelry Television

Get 10% off with Jewelry Television DISCFSMHAF. Enter this code at checkout.

UltraDiamonds.com

Super special on a wonderful necklace for any occasion! Save an EXTRA $50 on our Ruby Crystal Heart Necklace while supplies last. Only $69.

Heavenly Treasures

Click here to Get a Free Italian Charm Bracelet - get a FREE Zoppini charm bracelet with the purchase of any charm. ($15 value!)

Ross-Simons

Finding something special at a discount is fantastic. Hear is the deal of the week: Ross-Simons Value Pricing - a new item each week at a huge discount

Diamond.com

Diamond.com - 2 CT Pink Sapphire & Diamond 14K White Gold Ring: ONLY $245! (Retail: $595)

Expires March 31, 2008

Netaya

End of Winter Jewelry Sale - 15% Off Until March 31 - Use Code: MRAF15

My Jewelry Box

Save 15% on Alluring Aquamarines + Free Shipping! at My Jewelry Box

Find more jewelry discounts at Jewelry Mall.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

Favorite Jewelry Gifts for Loved Ones

It’s that time of year again. We want to show someone they are so very special - that we picked this wonderful gift out just for them - because we love and cherish them. Yet, how do we go about that?

One way is to choose jewelry with meaning. Choosing the design, stone or even the designer with extra special care, can make all the difference. Here I will go through each of these aspect and show you how you can incorporate it in any gift (even non-jewelry!) so all your gifts can be extra special.

1) Choosing a Gifts Design

Whether purchasing a pendant or a journal, having a design that is a symbol that can be tied in to the person you are giving the gift helps the gift itself shine. For example, you want to tell your sweetie that you love them. A common way is to use a heart symbol (for love). You could buy heart candles, a heart pendant and/or a journal with a heart on it. If you want something more unique, you may want to consider Journey Jewelrythat is, jewelry that symbolizes a relationship getting stronger every moment.

Symbols can be anything — they could be animals, flowers, sports or places. Just include a note of why the item is a symbol and how it relates to them.

2) Choosing a Stone

Gems and rocks have lore associated with them that can be used to enhance your gift. You can use a birthstone, a state gemstone, or even a gem with a mystical meaning. Even a stone as simple as Agate is a state gemstone and has much lore associated with it. This could even be used in book ends or a table top. Note: all of Jewelry Mall’s Gemstone pages include care tips, facts, related books, jokes and sometimes poetry. You can use these to help you make that extra special gift.

3) Choosing a Designer

If you make jewelry yourself, you can make sure to include a note saying “Made especially for you, by me”. If you are buying from designer, you can include a bit about who made the gift. Whether you are buying from a huge department store or a street fair, there is usually something you say about who created the piece, why you bought where you did, or how you searched for the most fabulous gift you could find. A note about the design or designer does that.

Taking the extra moment to add a little personalization to your gifts is easy and makes your gifts more remembered.

Technorati Tags: ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

Tips on Choosing Beads

It is easy to go crazy when buying beads, but you want to purchase ones you will use and enjoy. Here are some tips that I use when purchasing beads.

* Quality First

Always check for cracks, chips, and imperfections. Cracked beads can fray stringing thread, chipped beads can hurt the wrist on bracelets, and imperfections can look really odd on earrings (unless they are matched). See Gemstone Buying Tips for more ways to judge gemstones quality.

Beware that sometimes beads aren’t all the same shape. This can add character to a piece of jewelry, but it also can be distracting from what you envisioned. Knowing what you are buying beforehand, prevents unpleasant surprises.

* How Many?

Strands are generally cheaper than buying single beads, so if you are planning to make several pieces of jewelry, a strand is most likely a better deal. See our article on How Many Beads Do I Need? to determine how many strands to buy. If you are buying an exact number of single beads, know if can be challenging to match beads if a piece of jewelry breaks. Sometimes having a few extra beads can save lots of time when restringing later.

Always verify the length of the strands of beads being sold. Though usually strands are 16 inches long, I’ve seen 14 or 15 inch strands sold as 16 inch. If you are buying at a gem show, take a tape measure.

* Planning Helps

If you know you love to make matched sets, be certain to buy enough beads for that. If you are buying for making earrings and then want a matching necklace, it is nice to have enough beads already.

* Hole Size

Having consistent and smooth holes make beading easier. If the hole is too small, and you like to bead using silk thread, expect to need to restring. Getting beads with larger holes makes restringing less likely (or at least less often)!

* Buying Out of Your Comfort Zone

Often, I try new materials, shapes and sizes just to explore. This can be really enjoyable, but I try to have some of my usual beading supplies available. Then I can mix and match as desired — gaining more confidence in the new types of beading styles.

* Buying In Bulk

When buying in bulk at places such as Ebay, read the descriptions VERY carefully. If it says silver, it usually means silver tone unless stated otherwise; if it describes gold, generally it means gold tone. Often beads will be plastic or glass unless stated otherwise. That said, you can get different types of beads to continue your explorations. Just read carefully so you know what you are getting.

Technorati Tags: ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb

Pearls - Gorgeous Gifts That Last

When thinking of jewelry that endures generations, pearls and diamonds top the list. Pearl Necklaces and Pearl Earrings will be enjoyed now and for generations to come due to their lasting beauty. As they are said to symbolize honesty, love, wisdom and beauty, they make a wonderful gift for all.

Pearl earrings need not be expensive. If you choose fresh water pearl earrings, they can easily be under $20. Cultured pearls, generally, cost more. True natural pearls are extremely rare and expensive.

The same goes for pearl necklaces. I’ve seen beautiful fresh water pearl necklaces for less than $100. Sometimes much less if I find a great sale. Look for smooth pearls with lots of luster as they are higher quality. If you want a really high quality pearl necklace, consider Mikimoto Pearl Necklaces. They are known worldwide for their beauty.

Whichever type of pearl jewelry you choose, it is a fabulous gift for any woman in your life - and sometimes the men too. Pearl cuff links, occasionally pearl stud earrings and some carefully chosen pearl pendants can be great for guys. Be certain of the man’s taste in jewelry first, of course. Enjoy the world of pearls.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • De.lirio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • feedmelinks
  • Furl
  • LinkaGoGo
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Netvouz
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • scuttle
  • Shadows
  • Simpy
  • Smarking
  • Spurl
  • YahooMyWeb